Common Name:
Buchanan’s Sage
Description:
Salvia buchananii is a striking perennial shrublet grown for its rich magenta to deep wine-red tubular flowers and its lush, softly textured green foliage. The plant label image confirms this distinctive species, which is highly prized for its long flowering season and strong ornamental appeal. In Melbourne, it performs best in a sunny to partly shaded position with well-drained soil and regular moisture through warmer months, particularly while establishing. Flowering is typically strongest from spring through to autumn, with the vivid blooms held above the foliage on upright stems, creating excellent contrast and movement in the garden. This variety is especially attractive to bees and small nectar-feeding birds, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly and cottage-style plantings. Salvia buchananii is well suited to mixed borders, decorative pots, and informal garden beds where its bold flower colour can be fully appreciated.
Form:
• Shrub - Small
• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
Mature Size:
• Height: 60–90 cm
• Width: 60–80 cm
Aspect:
• Full Sun
• Part Shade
Flowering:
• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer
• Flowers in Autumn
Flower Colour:
• Deep magenta
• Wine red
• Crimson pink
Key Attributes:
• Suitable for Pots
• Bee Attracting
• Bird Attracting
• Herbaceous
• Perennial
• Long flowering season
• Excellent for cottage gardens
• Suitable for mixed borders
• Soft textured foliage
• Suitable for pollinator gardens
• May require protection from heavy frost
• Benefits from regular trimming to maintain shape
Toxicity:
Not generally considered toxic to humans or pets. As with most ornamental plants, ingestion may still cause mild stomach upset if consumed in quantity.
Companion Plants:
• Nepeta
• Gaura
• Verbena bonariensis
• Penstemon
• Achillea
• Salvia leucantha
• Echinacea
• Pennisetum
